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Kim Seong-su

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Kim Seong-su was a highly influential figure in Korean history.

Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee
Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee

He was a person of many different roles. He worked as an educator, an independence activist, and a journalist. He was also a successful entrepreneur and a politician. Many people knew him by his art name, Inchon. His work across business, media, and government helped shape modern Korea.

Kim's early life was defined by intense study. He was born on October 11, 1891, in Gochang County, Joseon. As a child, he studied various classical texts at a private school. These included works like "Sohak" and "Tongmong sŏnsŭp." He also read the "Zizhi Tongjian" and studied the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. He had a deep interest in history and philosophy. He especially enjoyed reading Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" and the "Three Kingdoms."

To prepare for a professional life, Kim moved to Japan for higher education. He attended the Seisoku English School in Tokyo in 1908. Later, he transferred to Kinjo Middle School in 1909. He eventually entered the preparatory course at Waseda University in April 1910. He chose to major in Political Science and Economics. Kim graduated from Waseda University in 1914. This education provided the foundation for his future leadership in business and politics.

Upon returning to Korea, Kim focused on both education and industry. In April 1915, he took over the management of Central School. He helped the school by repaying its debts. By March 1917, he had turned Central School into a regular educational institution. He also served as its principal. At the same time, he entered the textile industry. He acquired the Kyungsung Jiknyu Joint Stock Company. He later established Kyungsung Spinning to grow his business interests.

Kim was also a key figure in Korean social and political movements. In 1919, he participated in the early planning of the March 1st Movement. This was a significant period for Korean independence. During the early 1920s, he helped establish The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper. He used this platform to lead the Goods Encouragement Movement starting in November 1922. He also worked to create a national university. In 1929, he helped found the Central Institute with a capital of 600,000 won.

Education remained a central part of Kim's legacy. He served as the principal of several institutions, including Boseong Professional School. In 1937, he played a vital role in founding what became Korea University. Originally, it was called "Ethnic Korean's Korea University." In 1946, he officially established Korea University as a national private educational institution. This was built upon the foundation of the Boseong Professional School. His efforts helped create a major center for higher learning in Korea.

After Korea gained independence, Kim entered the political arena. He played a key role in forming the Korean Democratic Party in 1947. In May 1951, he was elected as the second Vice President of South Korea. He served in the provisional capital of Busan. However, he held this position for only one year. He resigned in 1952 due to differences with President Syngman Rhee.

Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee
Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee

After his political career, he returned to the business sector.

Kim Seong-su died on February 18, 1955.

Kim Seong-su's Deathmask
Kim Seong-su's Deathmask

His life had a lasting impact on the nation's development. To honor his memory, the Inchon Memorial Association and the Dong-A Ilbo Foundation created the Inchon Award. This award was established in 1987. It recognizes the achievements of a man who served his country through many different paths.

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File:Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee.jpg
Kim Seong-su and Syngman Rhee.jpg
File:Kim Seong-su's Deathmask.jpg
Kim Seong-su's Deathmask.jpg
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